If your dog seems bored, anxious or exhibits destructive behavior, it may be time to invest in some interactive toys that will help provide much-needed mental and physical engagement. However, pinpointing the ideal toy can often be a hit-or-miss endeavor. Many of us have experienced the disappointment of purchasing a toy we thought would be a hit, only to discover our furry friend couldn’t be less interested. Experts say you should select toys that entertain your dog and align with their unique preferences.
Dogs have different play styles. Some love chasing, while others enjoy tugging or puzzle-solving. Observe what your dog loves most and choose toys to engage that behavior. Puzzle toys are great for mental stimulation, and dispensing toys will keep your dog’s interest until they get a tasty reward. Just like kids, dogs get bored with the same toys, so experts recommend you rotate them every few days — to make old toys seem new again. If your pet is on the destructive side, chew toys can be challenging enough to keep your dog from eating your socks or sofa cushions. While it’s impossible to know what your dog will love, we’ve created a list of the best interactive toys most often recommended by pet experts across ten popular websites. Did we forget one your dog loves? Let us know in the comments below.
The List: Best Interactive Dog Toys To Keep Your Pup Entertained
1. Outward Hound Puzzle Toys
Kids love puzzles, and so do dogs! Outward Hound offers a line of dog puzzles ranging from easy to hard. The Hide N’ Slide puzzle is a favorite that requires intermediate skills. Spruce Pets says your dog will learn to “push the nobs or nudge the covers” to reveal the kibble or snack you place into the holes. There is no way your pet can chew off the non-removable parts, and it’s easy to clean with soap and water.
Dogtrotting agrees it’s nearly impossible to destroy these puzzles. While some are harder than others for your dog master, they all have easy-to-move flaps. The puzzles may not tire your furry friend out — but they do make a great distraction.
Outward Hound interactive puzzles are designed by Swedish pet toy designer Nina Ottosson. USA Today says the advanced level three toy has “your dog’s teeth and health in mind” and will take some time to master. It’s BPA, PVC, and phthalate free and is easy to clean.
2. Kong Classic
This toy is a consistent hit with dogs, especially when you fill the inside with treats like a little smear of peanut butter or some canned pumpkin. The Spruce Pets gives it a “best overall toy” nod and says the Kong Classic comes in many different sizes, including a gentle version for puppies, and an extreme one for aggressive chewers. Throw them in the freezer, so it takes longer for your furry friend to finish the treat. You can toss them in the dishwasher for easy clean-up.
The Kong Classic is affordable and recommended by dog trainers and veterinarians. According to Popular Science, the toy gets thousands of positive reviews online and its durable nature will make it last a long time. Since this toy bounces, your dog will have hours of fun playing with it.
Forbes calls this “an iconic toy beloved by most pups.” It’s great for food-motivated dogs and bored dogs as well. Give it to your dog while trying to work from home, and you won’t be constantly interrupted during your Zoom calls.
3. West Paw Interactive Chew Toys
Keep several of these in the freezer and take them out at dinner. The Spruce Pets say the the Toppl version is perfect to fill with food or treats to make “mealtime more challenging or to slow down quick eaters.” Be sure to buy the brand new Toppl Stopper to go with the toy, so the food doesn’t seep out.
If your dog loves to tear toys apart, West Paw’s Qwizl will stand strong and hold the dog’s attention. U.S. News & World Report says the “functional design” will make costly dog treats last longer and make your dog work harder. The Qwizl is made in the U.S.A. and even floats in water.
According to Buzzfeed, any one of these chew toys from West Paw works well to keep your pup engaged. You can fill the toy with any type of treat and keep your dog guessing. It will be a toy for you and your dog!
4. Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel
If your dog loves to play peek-a-boo, this squeaky plush toy will be a hit. According to The Spruce Pets, “dogs have to stick their snout into the holes in the soft, plush tree to pull out the squirrels.” Each squirrel has a squeaker, giving your dog a payoff. Choose from the junior size with three squirrels or the larger one that has six squirrels. Beware: the squirrels aren’t chew-proof, so you might want to tuck them back in the tree so they don’t end up like your shredded socks.
This is a challenging squeak toy almost any dog will love. According to New York Times staff writer Amy Roberts, her dog usually only likes squeaky toys for a few minutes, but this one kept him busy for hours! She didn’t have any trouble with the squirrel’s durability, saying they don’t have any holes after three months.
U.S. News & World Report encourages you to buy this toy because it “mimics hunting.” Writer Nancy Snyder says, “Not only does her dog love hunting down the squirrels but occasionally she’ll hide a few treats in the stump for him to sniff out as well.” If your dog does poke a hole in one of the squirrels, you can buy replacements.
5. Chuckit! Ultra Ball Launcher
You no longer have to get your hands dirty playing fetch with your pet. TechGear Lab says you don’t ever have to handle a slobber-filled ball with this launcher. The slingshot construction makes it easier to throw the ball, so your dog will probably tire out before your arm does. The launcher comes in several different lengths and sizes to suit your dog.
This outdoor toy will certainly make playing fetch more enjoyable and save your arm. The Spruce Pets says the launcher allows you to throw the ball “three times farther” than normal. While the toy comes with an orange ball, you can also use tennis balls. There’s even a folding model you can take when you travel!
Playtime just got easier with this ultra ball launcher, which Forbes recommends if your dog loves to chase after balls. No more bending down and touching a slobbery ball. The toy comes in several different sizes depending on the size of your dog.
Sources:
- The Spruce Pets
- Dog Trotting
- USA Today
- U.S. News & World Report
- Popular Science
- Animals
- Forbes
- New York Times
- Buzzfeed
- TechGear Lab
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